The cross-border smog pollution in Tachilek, Shan State (East) has been reduced by 60 percent, said U Khin Maung Yi, Union Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation. He made the remarks at a meeting on reducing cross-border smog pollution held at Aung Myat Hall in Maka Ho Kham Ward, Tachilek on May 8.
In Tachilek, smog pollution has decreased by 60 percent in 2025 compared to 2024, so it needs to be maintained, said Union Minister U Khin Maung Yi. The main causes of smog pollution in Myanmar are the burning of waste, straw and rice husks from agricultural activities, and the slashing and burning for hill-side cultivation. Before 2020, when residents went outside without protection, they would experience severe symptoms such as burning eyes and itching,he said.

This year, a resident said that the symptoms of smog have decreased. At an awareness meeting held in Tachilek, Union Minister U Khin Maung Yi spoke about the situation of the Mekong Sub-region Fire Hotspots, the implementation of measures to reduce the occurrence of Fire Hotspots and control cross-border smog pollution, while Dr. San Oo, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Environmental Conservation, discussed the reduction of cross-border smog pollution.